What you play at your wedding is very important, and no one knows that better than WeddingWire.com, the nation’s largest and most trusted online marketplace for bringing merchants and couples together.

“I think the music sets the tone for the whole wedding. It really does reflect your personality,” said Kim Forrest, WeddingWire editor.

I spoke with Forrest to get the lowdown on the worst wedding songs of all time, whether for the ceremony, reception or first dance, as well as her top tips for making the playlist of your dreams.

It doesn’t matter if you like to keep it traditional or mix it up because the folks at WeddingWire have your musical back.

13. “Gold Digger” by Kanye West

“If you f***ing with this girl, then you better be paid.”

While “Gold Digger” is a fun song to dance to at the club or in the car, the lyrics don’t exactly scream “match made in heaven!” According to Forrest, timing is key with this one.

“Maybe you wouldn’t play that song for your first dance or when you’re walking down the aisle, unless everyone has a really good sense of humor, but that’s a good example of a song that if you play it at the right time, it’s probably OK,” she said.

12. “D-I-V-O-R-C-E” by Tammy Wynette

”Cause I can’t spell away this hurt that’s drippin’ down my cheek.”

Just N-O, N-O, N-O, N-O, N-O.

11. “It Wasn’t Me” by Shaggy

“Picture this, we were both caught making love on the bathroom floor.”

Doing it on the sofa, in the shower, on the counter – while Shaggy’s stamina is impressive, save your parents a heart attack by skipping this song.

9. “I’ll Make Love to You” by Boyz II Men

While this song may get you going in the bedroom, I doubt it will get your guests going on the dance floor.

“It gets a little intimate, so that might not be the best song to play for your first dance,” Forrest said.

We have to agree.

8. “Cry Me a River” by Justin Timberlake

“You don’t have to say, what you did, I already know, I found out from him.”

I love this song as much as the next Timberlaker, but there’s a time and a place for it … like when you’re cutting your ex’s face out of your pictures.

7. “U + UR Hand” by P!nk

“It’s just you and your hand tonight.”

Songs about masturbation should be nowhere near your wedding. I repeat … Songs about masturbation should be nowhere near your wedding.

6. “We’re Never Ever Getting Back Together” by Taylor Swift

“I say, ‘I hate you,’ we break up, you call me, ‘I love you.’”

There’s no doubt TSwift is a lyrical genius, but tonight is about you two, not her and Jake Gyllenhaal.

5. “Anaconda” by Nicki Minaj

“So I pulled up in the Jag, and I hit ’em with the jab like … Dun-d-d-dun-dun-d-d-dun-dun.”

Forrest’s take? Get a good feel of the crowd before you play this one.

“If people are just wanting to listen to the latest music and people can have fun with it, then that’s something completely different,” she said.

4. “F*** You” by Cee Lo Green

“I pity the fool that falls in love with you.”

I pity the couple who plays this song.

3. “Tears in Heaven” by Eric Clapton

“‘Cause I know I don’t belong here in heaven.”

Besides being extremely depressing, this song also is incredibly slooooow, so Forrest recommends picking songs that balance the tempo. Too slow and your guests will look like zombies on the dance floor.

“A fast song can be hard to dance to unless you’re a good dancer, and a song that’s too slow, which is probably even more difficult, you’re just standing there and swaying,” she said.

2. “Somebody That I Used to Know” Gotye

“You said that you could let it go and I wouldn’t catch you hung up on somebody that you used to know.”

This song may have been a number one hit, but it’s sure to be a number one downer at a wedding.

1. “Macarena”

“Now come on, what was I supposed to do? He was out of town and his two friends were so fine.”

This isn’t 1995. If you insist on playing songs for group dances, try the Cha Cha Slide.

WeddingWire’s #1 tip for choosing the music

When it comes down to it, Forrest said you have to do what’s best for you and your wedding. If you like the songs listed above, then play them. If you don’t, then don’t.

WeddingWire editor Kim Forrest

And communicate with your DJ.

Is Grandma getting too handsy with the best man during “Anaconda”? Is “Somebody That I Used to Know” making your single sister want to dunk her head in the chocolate fountain?

The DJ’s job is to read the crowd, so he or she can help you set the mood if things are going in the wrong direction.

“They can help figure out what’s important for the wedding and for the crowd,” Forrest said.

The bottom line is every couple is different, every wedding is different and every crowd is different, so take it from the experts when they say be flexible and have some fun when choosing your songs.

“The biggest thing is listening to the lyrics and making the best decision for yourself. Is it appropriate? Does it feel right? Is it fun to dance to?” Forrest said.

To learn more about WeddingWire and their catalog of songs, WeddingWire.com. WeddingWire also hosts the annual Couples’ Choice Awards, which names the most/best reviewed vendors in each category. Select a location and you’ll see the top bands and DJs in your area!

As the editor-in-chief of DatingAdvice.com, I oversee content strategy, social media engagement, and media opportunities. When I'm not writing about cheese or my 20-year love affair with Leonardo DiCaprio, I'm listening to The Beatles, watching Harry Potter reruns (I'm a proud Slytherin!), or drinking IPAs.

Our Site

Disclaimer: Great efforts are made to maintain reliable data on all offers presented. However, this data is provided without warranty. Users should always check the offer provider’s official website for current terms and details. Our site receives compensation from many of the offers listed on the site. Along with key review factors, this compensation may impact how and where products appear across the site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). Our site does not include the entire universe of available offers. Editorial opinions expressed on the site are strictly our own and are not provided, endorsed, or approved by advertisers.